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Red-spotted blenny

Blenniella chrysospilos

Red-spotted blenny© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Red‑spotted blenny (Blenniella chrysospilos) is a small marine fish found on coral reefs throughout the Indo‑Pacific. It reaches up to 13 cm and is popular among aquarium enthusiasts rather than sport anglers, but can be caught on light gear for study or bait.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Blenniidae

Max Size

13 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-6m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round in tropical waters

Best Time

Early morning to late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Red-spotted blenny

  • Use an ultra‑light spinning setup with a 4–5 ft rod and 1–2 lb test line.
  • Tie on a size 6–8 hook and present tiny live bait such as shrimp or copepods near reef crevices.
  • Spot the fish by its red spots and gently jig the bait close to the substrate; avoid heavy retrieves.
  • If hooked, allow a brief, gentle fight before securing the fish to prevent line breakage.

Top Fishing Locations for Red-spotted blenny

Raja Ampat, West Papua

Indonesia
intermediate75% Very Common

World‑renowned reef complex with abundant coral heads where Red‑spotted blenny congregate around rubble and overhangs, making them easy to target from a small boat.

Best: May‑Oct (dry season)

Great Barrier Reef – Lizard Island

Australia
intermediate68% Common

Pristine outer reef lagoon offering clear water and abundant reef structures; blennies are frequently seen darting among the coral branches.

Best: June‑Aug (winter)

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
beginner80% Very Common

Iconic Red Sea protected area with steep drop‑offs and vibrant coral; Red‑spotted blenny are common on the shallow reef flats.

Best: Oct‑Jan (cool season)

Baa Atoll

Maldives
beginner85% Very Common

UNESCO biosphere reserve with abundant reef patches; the blenny thrives among the coral rubble and seagrass edges, making it a hotspot for dedicated anglers.

Best: Jan‑Apr (northeast monsoon)

Yasawa Islands

Fiji
intermediate55% Common

A chain of islands with extensive fringing reefs; the species is often found in the sheltered lagoon crests where currents bring in planktonic food.

Best: Apr‑Jun (transition season)

North West Reef, Christmas Island

Australia (Territory)
expert73% Very Common

Remote reef with strong currents that attract a high density of Red‑spotted blenny; anglers travel here specifically for this target species.

Best: Nov‑Feb (summer)

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Red-spotted blenny

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 4–5 ft, fast action
Line1–2 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeN/A
TechniqueSight‑fishing around reef crevices with light jigging

Best bait: Small pieces of shrimp, copepods, or algae